Tag: flying

Sometimes a flight is long. Perhaps a long day was had prior to take-off, and you merely want to unwind. Or, perhaps, it’s a special occasion. Regardless, sometimes one just wants a glass of vino at 36,000 feet.

I’m certainly no aviation wine specialist but here are a few that I’ve sampled over the years:

American Airlines

I write this from what may be a relic from the 50s (but is in fact simply one of American’s antiquated McDonnell Douglas planes), nursing one of the most generous-sized bottles I’ve ever seen on a flight. It helps make you feel less depressed about your surroundings and the lack of entertainment options. It also helps muffle the sounds of screaming children and the engines, so it’s a win-win!

Glass size: two servings

What’s the pour: Coastal Ridge Merlot and Chardonnay

Cost: 7 bucks (US)

Good to know: A cheese plate is available to go with your wine. Or, if you’re stuffed from dinner like me, Almond M&Ms. Classy!

Air Canada

Air Canada offers complimentary vino when travelling overseas, a nice treat I discovered on a recent flight to Paris. Or, you can purchase options on shorter-haul domestic and US flights. If you’re soaking up the luxury of business class you’ll get a glass as well, however they won’t indulge you if it’s not an appropriate hour. My attempts for a poor woman’s mimosa were thwarted, ho hum.

Glass size: one serving

What’s the pour: Paul Mas white and red

Cost: $6.50 (Canadian) if you’re in economy on flights in Canada and the US, free in business and first class and on international flights

Good to know: the gluten-free crackers and cheese are always the first thing to sell out on flights. Lock eyes with your flight attendant ASAP if you want them.

Good to know: the epic snack basket that comes around is stocked with nuts, cookies and Terra Chips. The perfect accompaniment to your beverage. Also there’s beer, and sometimes on a less busy flight you’ll get to “sample” both! Also they give you actual glasses, a nice touch.

Hawaiian Airlines

I’ve only flown them twice, but really enjoyed the service, snacks and complimentary wine. They also gave me two glasses of wine, which went nicely with the entire loaf of macadamia sweet bread I devoured on the flight back to California. It was a long flight. Don’t judge.

Glass size: one serving

What’s the pour: Red Tree Merlot and Chardonnay

Cost: free!

Good to know: if your flight’s in the morning you’ll get brunch with a delicious rum punch. Wine is only served on later flights. Also, macadamia all the things!

Have you enjoyed a good glass of wine in-flight? Share a comment below!

It may be hard to imagine if you spend all of your flight hours crammed into what passes as the economy section these days, but at one point flying was civilized. Seriously – a nice, luxurious way to get around! These photos share the glamourous nature of flying in its heyday – I love the United Airlines uniforms, Richard Branson (with several women on his lap), and the treatment of Russian spies. If you’ve ever felt grumpy about the service (or lack of it) provided on flights today, that last photo might make you grind your teeth a tad.

It was recently announced that San Francisco Airport has opened the first yoga room at an airport anywhere in the world. While likely not as relaxing as your local studio, the space comes complete with soft lighting and calming blue walls.

After the hell that is check-in and security, I often seek out quiet corners to dump my bag, stretch out and decompress, particularly before long flights. The last time I flew out of SFO I remember spotting a few fellow passengers unrolling yoga mats and I wished I had packed mine in my carry-on. Airport carpets aren’t always the nicest for sprawling out on, you know. So the idea of a dedicated space, away from the raised eyebrows and looks of scorn from other grumpy passengers in the waiting area would be just the ticket I think. Hats off to SFO for being innovative!

Would you use a yoga room if an airport offered one? Leave a comment below!